The Beautiful Life will go on, with or without its troubled star Mischa Barton.

Although reps for The CW and CBS Television Studios declined to comment, multiple sources confirm that producers of the upcoming model-centric drama are quietly readying a Plan B in light of the former O.C. actress’ current medical woes. Said plan involves the addition of a new female character to fill the void left by Barton. While not a direct recast, the new recurring character — tentatively named Jane — would bear a striking resemblance to Barton’s experienced supermodel, Sonja Stone. Casting is underway.

Production on Beautiful Life, originally scheduled to begin on July 22, was pushed back a week — but not because of Barton. Per a spokesperson for The CW, the show’s sets were not ready for their close-up. Production is now set to resume the last week of July ahead of a Sept. 16 launch.

Barton was hospitalized last week after calling the L.A.P.D. with an unspecified health problem. Reports that she has been placed under involuntary psychiatric hold at an L.A. hospital have not been confirmed by her reps.

Well I for one LOVE Mischa, so I hope plan B does not have to go into effect. She is so graceful (on camera, not in real life), and she just lights up a room. But I also agree that Autumn Reeser would be an even better choice. OC foreva!

Anyone notice- even before this happened, Mischa has barely done any promotions for the show. Isn’t that strange, especially since she’s the most recognizable name? She wasn’t at the CW Upfronts(although her excuse was she was overseas for that shampoo she’s hawking)But in the last few months, she hasn’t appeared in a single event with her costars on the show. Sarah Paxton has been doing the bulk of the promotions.

Why does the US always feel the need to take someone else idea and mess with it? The UK original was great I doubt I will check this one out,
Maybe I’m still annoyed we never got closure and an 8th Gilmore Girls season!